8th Grade Language Arts Course Syllabus
Ms. X. Shannon, Instructor (LC2)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School
Telephone Number: (404) 802-5400
Welcome! I am so excited to have you as a member of learning community two (LC2) for the 2009-2010 school year. I trust that we will have a fabulous year exploring the various writing and literary genres. As we implement the Georgia Performance Standards, our goal is strengthen our reading and writing skills as well as to refine our skills in the areas of grammar and usage.
Course Description:
The English Language Arts Curriculum is a process designed to introduce students to core concepts that are further developed and expanded as student’s progress through each grade level. This process allows students to develop the skills necessary to: 1) comprehend and interpret texts, including written as well as audio and visual texts; 2) compose a variety of types of texts, including those critical to the workplace; 3) effectively communicate and interact with others in group situations; and 4) effectively communicate information through different modes of presentation. The English Language Arts curriculum integrates the processes of reading, writing, and listening/speaking/viewing in order to help students effectively communicate and interpret information in a variety of modes.
1st Semester Content Topics:
Exploring Narrative Texts/Composing Narrative Essays
Exploring Expository Works/Composing Expository Essays
Exploring Persuasive Works/ Composing Persuasive Essays
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
* An extensive focus will be placed in the areas of composition and grammar in preparation for the Georgia Middle Grades Writing Assessment.
Textbooks:
Literature: Language and Literacy- Prentice Hall 2010 cost 79.47
Grammar: The Writer’s Choice- Glencoe McGraw- Hill 2001 cost 45.98
Workbooks:
Literature: All-in-One Workbook- Prentice Hall 2010
The Writing Test- Educational Design 2001
Mastering the Georgia Middle Grades Writing Assessment- Jarrett Publishing Company 2002
Basics Made Easy: Grammar and Usage Review- American Book Company 2002
Georgia CRCT Coach- Triumph Learning 2006
Materials:
3-ring binder
Notebook paper
Dividers (5)
Black or blue ink
*Material and notebook checks will be given randomly throughout the semester, please take note that notebook checks account for 10% of the student’s grade.
Grading Scale: Grading Percentages:
90-100= A Classwork= 30%
80-89=B Midterm/Final Exams=30%
70-79=C Weekly Tests/Quizzes=20%
0-69=F Projects/Notebook=10%
Homework=10%
Homework:
Homework will be given at a minimum of three nights a week to reinforce the skills that are introduced in class. If students do not have a homework assigned for a particular day, please encourage your child to review class notes and/or spend 45 minutes reading a book, magazine, or newspaper.
Projects:
One major project will be given towards the end of the semester. All students are expected to complete a Language Arts project. Please keep in mind that the Language Arts project is separate from the district “One Fair” projects and account for 10% of the student’s grade.
Classroom Expectations:
1. Students are EXPECTED to be on time for class.
2. Students are EXPECTED to come to class with all materials daily.
3. Students are EXPECTED not to use profanity.
4. Students are EXPECTED to refrain from eating, drinking, and/or grooming in the classroom.
5. Students are EXPECTED to respect themselves, all staff members, and each other as well as the property of others.
6. Students are EXPECTED to use computer software, and reading, materials appropriately at all times.
7. Students are EXPECTED to abide by all classroom and LC rules.
Classroom Consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. Student Conference
3. Parental Contact (Phone call home or letter)
4. Team Discipline (detention, silent lunch, or behavior reflection)
5. Parent Conference
6. Discipline referral
MAKE UP WORK (ONLY WHEN ABSENT):
· If a student is absent, he or she is responsible for all missing assignments.
· If an assignment was given during the course of the student’s absence, the students has as many days as were out to turn in the assignment(s) (i.e. 2 days absent, 2 days to turn in work).
· Keep in mind that make-up work will not be given at the end of the grading quarter to improve a grade.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD SUCCEED?
► Students can join the “After School All-Stars” tutorial program for extra assistance. The academic program is from 4:00-5:30 pm. Academic assistance from certified professionals and transportation home is always available. If you see that your child needs further academic assistance, please sign them up!
► Students may also participate in tutorial sessions with their core teachers on Wednesday of each week. These tutorial sessions end at 5:00pm, so transportation may have to be arranged if your child is not already a member of the “After School All-Stars” tutorial program.
I have read and understand the contents of the 2009-2010 8th grade Language Arts course syllabus.
Student Signature______Date ______
Parent Signature ______Date ______